Daily Devotionals for February 5
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Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living
Devotional Scripture:
1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Proverbs 6:1-3(Amplified):
1 My son, if you have become security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger or another,
2 You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught in the speech of your mouth.
3 Do this now (at once and earnestly), my son, and deliver yourself, when you have put yourself in to the power of your neighbor; go, bestir and humble yourself, and beg your neighbor (to pay his debt and release you).
Thought for the Day
Verses 1-3 - Becoming security for someone means to co-sign his bank loan; a practice that destroys many friendships. Although the borrower may have good intentions, he may be unable to pay his note. Does this mean we should not help those who ask? Certainly not! However, many people request loans to live beyond their means, rather than just for emergency help. Often, it becomes too difficult for them to continue their payments. Whoever became security for them will be held accountable to pay their debt. It is not wisdom to co-sign a note for people who are not practicing financial Biblical principles.
By signing an agreement, we are giving our word; and this is a serous thing before God and man. We all have "sworn to our own hurt" at times (Psalm 15:4). Often, after committing to something, I have wished that I hadn't, because it was difficult to keep my word. God expects His children to keep their word just as He keeps His. We should always take every agreement that we sign very seriously. If we become security for someone, we must keep our promise to pay that person's debt if he is unable to do so, because we have given our word. "Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth" (Deuteronomy 23:23).
It is dangerous to become surety for someone. Anyone ensnared by this is exhorted to earnestly find a way to legally escape it. He should make every effort to escape, even as a deer runs for its life from a hunter, or a bird flees a trap set for it. Ignoring the danger of this monetary trap can lead to the financial ruin of the lender.
No one knows what the future holds; therefore, it is unwise to accept responsibility for another's debt. If you have done this, verse 3 gives some good advice. First, humble yourself before God, confessing your mistake. Ask Him to make a way for you to get out of the situation without destroying your relationship with the one for whom you have become security. Then, humble yourself before that person and ask to be released from financial bondage. Being responsible for someone's debt puts you in his power. However, if you are wealthy and it would not hurt you to repay the loan, you may want to help give him a fresh start. The important thing is to seek God's guidance in these matters.
Prayer Devotional for the Day
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Page Count: 416
Size: 8½" X 11"
Bound Paperback
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